Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
User submission
107.1K
Hairdresser Refuses To Shave Depressed Teen’s Hair, Spends 13 Hours Fixing It
Depression sometimes makes even the most basic tasks, like brushing your hair in the morning, seem impossible. When a struggling 16-year-old girl came into an Iowa salon with tangled, matted hair, she told stylist Kayley Olsson to “just cut it all off.” Instead, Olsson did a good deed by working a record-breaking two days and 13 hours to restore both the young lady’s hair and her confidence.
20-year-old Olsson, who works at Capri Waterloo salon, shared before and after photos of the incredible transformation on Facebook after completing the landmark makeover on August 8th, and the entire Internet was shaken. The post went viral, with more than 75 thousand shares and almost 200 thousand likes on this beautiful example of selflessly helping others. Most importantly, the young girl’s new hairstyle was ready just in time for her back-to-school pictures!
On a more serious note, if you’re concerned that someone close to you may be experiencing depression or other mental health issues, their physical appearance may say even more than their words. Lack of personal hygiene and self-care is a serious symptom of chronic depression, and for women and girls, this often includes hair care. It’s amazing how something as simple as a new haircut can do so much for a person’s state of mind! See the amazing results for yourself below, and have your faith in humanity restored.
RELATED:
An Iowa hairstylist recently shared this photo of a young client who came to her salon looking for help
The story behind this tangled mess of hair is now going viral, and for the best reasons
Some people put the blame on the teen’s parents for the extent of her issues
Others, however, commended the stylist for her understanding and dedication
What do you think? Feel-good story or sign of a child in need of help? Tell us below!
3.7Mviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
Ella Hobasaurs 8 years ago
I completely agree. Everyday I lose my faith in humanity but then I read some bored panda post and *boom* faith in humanity restored
Load More Replies...
Ani Archeron 8 years ago
It's incredible how one person wishing to help another person can create such a huge ripple effect of warmth and happiness. Helping one person gives hope to other people too.
MysticalMan 8 years ago
It just goes to show that good things can happen and good people do exist.
Patricia McDermott 8 years ago
Sometimes a parent is lost. Either they have never experienced soul distorting depression or they just don't want to deal with it. My mother always wanted to help but never knew how. She's gone now and at 55 I still suffer from can't comb my hair times even with medication. Thank you to the hairdresser for helping this child
Jan Ward 8 years ago
I'm in the same situation. Treatment options where I live are limited. Let'e try to stay strong!
Load More Replies...
Jessica Stohr 8 years ago
Two days and 13 hours is not the same as 13 hours split between two days!
Pat Johnson 8 years ago
For those who say the parents where not helping! You don't know the journey the whole family has taken you just see one persons results. When your child is 15-16 years old and are dealing with low self-esteem and a major depressive disorder, there is nothing you can promise or punish to get them to do something they don't want to do. You really are at a loss and regular psychiatry appointment are difficult if the refuse to participate. So please don't blame just praise the stylist for her never say die spirit and pray for the young lady and her family.
FABULOUS1 8 years ago
I hope that this girl walked out feeling better, and it has given her a new outlook on life. Depression is something to not be taken lightly. Everyone saying why didn't the parents do something, whos to say that they didn't? Its sad that she got to this point but we are only hearing what the stylist has to say and nothing from the client or her parents.
Sandrine-E. Séchaud 8 years ago
I love you for what you did ! Being a sufferer of depression, I know just how hard it was for that beautiful girl to get to your saloon. I salute you for accepting her like she is, without jugement and kindness. I hope that she find a treatement that works for her. Hugs and kisses to both of you <3
Jude Ponting 8 years ago
Depression knocks you for six, I've suffered it and pushed people away when they have tried to help me, I'm sure her parents had the same
Ella Hobasaurs 8 years ago
I completely agree. Everyday I lose my faith in humanity but then I read some bored panda post and *boom* faith in humanity restored
Load More Replies... Ani Archeron 8 years ago
It's incredible how one person wishing to help another person can create such a huge ripple effect of warmth and happiness. Helping one person gives hope to other people too.
MysticalMan 8 years ago
It just goes to show that good things can happen and good people do exist.
Patricia McDermott 8 years ago
Sometimes a parent is lost. Either they have never experienced soul distorting depression or they just don't want to deal with it. My mother always wanted to help but never knew how. She's gone now and at 55 I still suffer from can't comb my hair times even with medication. Thank you to the hairdresser for helping this child
Jan Ward 8 years ago
I'm in the same situation. Treatment options where I live are limited. Let'e try to stay strong!
Load More Replies... Jessica Stohr 8 years ago
Two days and 13 hours is not the same as 13 hours split between two days!
Pat Johnson 8 years ago
For those who say the parents where not helping! You don't know the journey the whole family has taken you just see one persons results. When your child is 15-16 years old and are dealing with low self-esteem and a major depressive disorder, there is nothing you can promise or punish to get them to do something they don't want to do. You really are at a loss and regular psychiatry appointment are difficult if the refuse to participate. So please don't blame just praise the stylist for her never say die spirit and pray for the young lady and her family.
FABULOUS1 8 years ago
I hope that this girl walked out feeling better, and it has given her a new outlook on life. Depression is something to not be taken lightly. Everyone saying why didn't the parents do something, whos to say that they didn't? Its sad that she got to this point but we are only hearing what the stylist has to say and nothing from the client or her parents.
Sandrine-E. Séchaud 8 years ago
I love you for what you did ! Being a sufferer of depression, I know just how hard it was for that beautiful girl to get to your saloon. I salute you for accepting her like she is, without jugement and kindness. I hope that she find a treatement that works for her. Hugs and kisses to both of you <3
Jude Ponting 8 years ago
Depression knocks you for six, I've suffered it and pushed people away when they have tried to help me, I'm sure her parents had the same
Related on Bored Panda
676
141